Skip to main content

Aircraft, Engines, Propellers, and more WWII era technical manuals added to AirCorps Library this week!

The manuals just keep coming! We are working to clear our backlog of previously scanned manuals in preparation for starting several very large digitization projects in 2023 - and believe me, there are A LOT! In the meantime, I'd like to share a bit about my favorite manual that's been added this week. It may seem a little dry by it's title, but this document is an amazing glimpse into the mindset of the 1940's. The newly added Air Force Leadership manual, published in 1948 is broken down into chapters like; What is Leadership?, Mission, Team Membership, and Individual Responsibility. It details how to be the most effective leader, and how to address and resolve many types of internal issues.

However, the overall goal is still clear as stated at the beginning of the Mission chapter with a quote from the Secretary of War - "The ultimate mission of the air force is to be ready to win victory in air battle." Simple and to the point. I hope you enjoy this, and the other 30 manuals added this week!

  

Aircraft Manuals:

While the B-25 and T-6 are standard fair when it comes to what we have already on AirCorps Library, the SBD pilots manual is one that we get a little more excited about, and not because we like it better than the Mitchell and Texan. We are still in the early stages of building up our resources related to the Dauntless, so whenever we receive donations with SBD manuals it's a cause for celebration! One more thing to help all of you out there with your projects, whatever they may be!

Organizational Maintenance For B-25J, TB-25J, TB-25L, TB-25L-1, and TB-25N, T.O. No. 1B-25(T)J-2, 1-Oct-1959

Interchangeable Parts List for P-40 Series, C-46, and P-47G, T.O. No. 01-25-8, 15-Dec-1943
Parts Catalog for T-6 Series, AN 01-60FF-4, 14-May-1954
  

Electrical System Manuals: 

Bendix was one of the most prolific sub-contractors for the military during WWII. They owned Eclipse and Pioneer, and are represented in at least one area of almost every aircraft of the time period. To me, the name Bendix comes to mind first when I think of magnetos, even though plenty of others manufactured them. I hope you enjoy these offerings added this week.

Application Data for Bendix Magnetos, Switches and Starting Vibrators, Form No. L-1012, Sept-1972
  

Engine Manuals: 

TC18EA Wright Engine Manual Overhaul Manual for Wright Cyclone Engines, Third Edition, May-1940
Install, Operation, and Maintenance for Cyclone 9 Models C9GA and C9GB, Fourth Edition - Part No. 112670-N4, May-1940
Service Instructions for R-1820 Series, T.O. No. 02-35GB-2, 15-Sept-1944

General Manuals: 

Air Navigation Tables, TM 1-208, 1-Aug-1944
  

Propeller Manuals: 

Ah propellers - it would be fun to write a jingle with all the different manufacturer names, or maybe do something rhyming with the seemingly hundreds of different propeller models, to the tune of the states song... In any case, the new additions this week include Hartzell, Allison, Hamilton Standard, and Curtiss propeller manuals, enough to keep most people busy for quite some time.

Overhaul Instructions for Hartzell Propeller Models HC-92ZWF-2A & HC-92ZWK-2A, No. 105-A, May-1967
Overhaul Instructions for Constant Speed, Feathering and Reversing Hartzell Propellers, Manual No. 114A, Aug-1965
Overhaul Manual for Double-Acting Governors, No. 126, July-1949
Synchronizer Maintenance Manual, No. 176A, May-1952
Curtiss Autosynchronizes Engines, Sept-1943
General Description of Curtiss Electric Propeller Operational Mock-Up
Introduction to the Curtiss Electric Propellers for Models C632S-A and C532S-E
Operation and Maintenance Instructions for Allison Hydraulic Propeller Model A642-G805, NAVWEPS 03-20EC-8, 1-June-1965
  

Signal Equipment Manuals (Radios): 

Pilot's Radio Handbook, C.A.A. Tech Manual No. 102, Mar-1954 
Operation and Maintenance for Radio Transmitter Model BC-375-E and Associated Equipment, T.O. No. 02-10-139, 5-Jan-1943 
  

Student/Training Manuals: 

Don't be fooled by the fact that these three manuals are at the bottom of the list - they are by far my favorite this week. I've already talked about the "Air Force Leadership" manual, but the Alaskan Survival pamphlet published by Ladd AFB is really great as well - enjoy!!

Aircraft Sheet Metal Work, TSKF No. STE-1, 3-Dec-1942 
Air Force Leadership, AFM No. 35-15, Dec-1948
Alaskan Survival - Artic Survival School - Ladd Air Force Base, A.S.S. Manual 50-1